With more women elected to the Senate and House, giddy commentators have begun suggesting that more feminine perspectives could cure Washington gridlock.

As Senator Dianne Feinstein of California argued, the new women Senators aren't driven by "testosterone" and "ego" and so can work more cooperatively with their colleagues.

But when in history have women leaders proven so easy-going and collaborative?

Margaret Thatcher and Golda Meir were fierce and formidable, noted for imposing their will on others, not compromise and cooperation. Closer to home, Nancy Pelosi spent four years as House speaker, but never reached successfully across the aisle: she didn't get a single GOP vote for Obamacare or the Stimulus package.

In the end, voting for a woman because she's female is just as ridiculous as voting for a man because he's male.